Garmin Fenix 8 press release leaks showing upgrades, latest features and official battery life estimates for new AMOLED display option
The secret is well and truly out when it comes to Garmin's next smartwatch release. So far this year, the company has introduced the Lily 2 and Forerunner 165, the latter slotting in as a cheaper alternative to the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $499.99 on Amazon). However, a plethora of recent evidence suggests that Garmin is ready to unleash new Fenix smartwatches, over two and a half years after the first Fenix 7 models arrived.
Now, the5krunner claims to have got its hands on the full official press release for the Fenix 8 series. While it does not mention a release date, Garmin is currently expected to deliver new Fenix smartwatches on August 27. Also, the press release does not contain any device images, which leaked earlier this month.
To that end, recent unboxing footage has corroborated some of the information contained below, as has other rumours courtesy of FitnessTrackerTest relating to battery life estimates and connectivity options. Incidentally, Garmin has now confirmed the date and time of an officially unknown product launch event, full details of which we have covered separately. Please see Garmin's alleged press release below for more details.
The ultimate multisport smartwatches come in various sizes, offering a choice between brilliant AMOLED or MIP solar displays, advanced outdoor, multisport, and health features, along with a speaker, microphone, and a bright LED flashlight.
For years, the fēnix series has been celebrated for its innovative features, high-quality materials, and distinctive design, becoming the benchmark for multisport watches over the last decade. Now, Garmin introduces the latest generation: the fēnix 8. This new model features, for the first time, a stunning AMOLED display and is also available with the enhanced MIP solar-charging lens for extended battery life. With upgrades like advanced strength training features, diving profiles, built-in speaker and microphone, and Garmin Share, it's the most powerful fēnix yet—designed for those who want to push their athletic limits.
The 51 mm AMOLED model offers up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the 51 mm solar model with an always-on display can last up to 48 days.
Key highlights and new features include:
- Displays and Sizes: Choose between models with a brilliant AMOLED display or a power-saving MIP display with a solar-charging lens. The fēnix 8, in its 51 mm version, delivers 50% more solar power than its predecessor. The AMOLED models are available in three sizes: 43 mm (1.3-inch), 47 mm (1.4-inch), or 51 mm (1.4-inch), while the MIP versions come in 47 mm (1.3-inch) or 51 mm (1.4-inch).
- Durable Design: All models feature waterproof metal buttons, a new side-mounted sensor guard, and have been tested to U.S. military standards for heat, shock, and water resistance. High-end materials such as titanium or stainless steel bezels and scratch-resistant sapphire or Gorilla Glass withstand even the toughest conditions.
- Speaker and Microphone: Paired with a smartphone, you can make calls directly from the watch. Even without a phone connection, voice commands like 'Start a strength training," 'Set a timer for 5 minutes," or 'Save waypoint" activate important and frequently used functions.
- LED Flashlight: The flashlight's brightness can be easily adjusted via the display. Different intensities, a red light, and a strobe mode help improve visibility in dark environments, whether during a training run, finding your phone in a backpack, or navigating a dormitory at a hut.
- Sport-Specific Training Plans: Numerous training plans tailored to various sports, such as trail running, help improve strength and endurance while reducing the risk of injury.
- Diving Functions: Supports recreational diving (single gas) and freediving up to 40 meters deep, thanks to official diving certification and waterproof, inductive buttons.
- Garmin Messenger App: This free communication app allows you to send text messages directly from the smartwatch to friends and family.
- Premium Maps and Dynamic RoundTrip Routing: Stay on track with pre-installed topo maps for Europe, as well as Golf and SkiView maps with piste and cross-country skiing information. Additional maps can be easily downloaded via Wi-Fi. Enter your desired distance during training or exploration, and the watch will guide you there and back within the set time. If you stray from the originally planned route, it will automatically recalculate, considering the target distance to the starting point.
- Garmin Share: The new function allows easy and quick sharing of planned routes, workouts, and locations with other compatible Garmin products.
Source(s)
